ghana minister of tourism

Ghana’s President names new tourism minister

• Published: 3:53 PM UTC, Wed February 14, 2024

In a latest cabinet reshuffle, Ghana’s President, Nana Akufo-Addo, has nominated Andrew Egyapa Mercer for the position of Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture.

He takes over from Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim Awal who has been the sector’s Minister since 2021. Mercer who is the MP for Sekondi Constituency in the Western region and a Deputy Energy Minister will be expected to lead a sector which is still trying to bounce back from the effects of COVID-19.

His appointment is subject to parliamentary vetting and approval.

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Tourism minister urges journalists to illuminate ghana’s tourism potential.

Ghana's Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Awal, has called on journalists to play a pivotal role in highlighting the country's vibrant tourism industry.

In a recent address, Dr. Awal emphasized the need for media collaboration to showcase Ghana's rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and unique tourist attractions.

During training at Freden Hotel in Koforidua in the Eastern Region, the Minister highlighted the untapped potential of Ghana's tourism sector, stressing the importance of media coverage in promoting the country as a premier travel destination.

With a wealth of historical sites, picturesque landscapes, and a warm and welcoming culture, Ghana has the potential to become a top destination for travelers seeking authentic, rich experiences.

The Minister, acknowledged the power of journalism in shaping public perception and influencing travel decisions.

"Our beautiful country is a treasure trove of history, culture, and natural wonders. We must work together to showcase Ghana's tourism potential to the world," stated the Minister.

"Journalists play a vital role in telling our story and attracting visitors who will not only contribute to our economy but also experience the warmth and hospitality that Ghana is known for,” he added.

The Minister encouraged journalists to explore and highlight lesser-known destinations, cultural festivals, and ecotourism opportunities.

By doing so, the media can contribute to diversifying the tourism landscape and drawing attention to Ghana's richness and diversity.

In addition to promoting traditional tourist hotspots such as the Cape Coast Castle, Wli falls, the Bomigo black male goats, Woe light house, and the Mole National Park, he urged journalists to shed light on community-based tourism initiatives that empower local communities and preserve Ghana's cultural heritage.

"The media has the power to shape perceptions and influence travel choices. Let us work together to showcase the hidden gems of our country, from the bustling markets to the serene beaches, and from the beautiful forests to the vibrant cities," he said.

The Special Advisor to the Minister, Nana Osafo Kantaka, expressed confidence in the media's ability to play a transformative role in promoting tourism.

"Together, we can unveil the beauty and potential of Ghana to the world, attracting visitors who will not only contribute to our economy but also experience the magic of our nation," he said.

The media engagement had selected journalists from the Volta, Oti, Greater Accra and Eastern regions.

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Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture

Who is Ibrahim Mohammed Awal ?

Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Awal is Ghana Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture.

Honourable Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Awal is currently Ghana’s Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture.  He was Ghana’s Minister for Business Development from 2017 to 2020 where he helped develop an ecosystem to support start-ups and entrepreneurs.

Dr. Awal once led the affairs of Chase Petroleum Corporation, a downstream oil and gas company that operates in Ghana as its Chief Executive. He was also the Chief Executive Officer of Graphic Communications Group Limited, rising from the position of reporter through the ranks to CEO. He also founded and led Marble Communications Group Limited, a private media and publishing house in Ghana. As an entrepreneurial expert, Dr. Awal had the occasion to offer his services as a consultant in the areas of business strategy, management, marketing, and communications, offering his services to Diplomatic Missions, Development partners as well as state institutions.

He is widely credited for developing an Entrepreneurship Policy for Ghana whilst serving in the capacity as Minister for Business Development. Dr. Awal is a strong advocate for linking  classrooms to  real-world experiences, and therefore has consistently maintained the need to “bring the classroom into industry, and industry into the classroom” towards creating economic transformation for Ghana and Africa at large.

He has represented the President of the Republic of Ghana, H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as his Special Envoy, on special assignments which include missions to the United States of America, United Kingdom, India, Turkey, Germany, France, Hungary, China, Morocco, Iran, Italy, Central African Republic, Kenya, Saudi Arabia, Croatia, Qatar, Portugal and Guinea Bissau. Dr. Awal has copped numerous awards and recognitions.

This year, he has received three awards: Best Performing Minister of Ghana, Transformational Leadership Award in Tourism, and Lifetime Achievement Award in Service to Tourism Industry.

In 2022 he was given a lifetime Award for promoting “DESTINATION AFRICA” by the Africa Tourism Leadership Forum.

In 2019, he was adjudged ‘the Most Business-Oriented Minister’ of Africa by the World Business Angels Investment Forum (WBAF). He was also named ‘the Best Performing Minister’ and the ‘Most Outstanding Minister in Ghana’ for 2018 and 2019 respectively by the Ghana Entrepreneur and Corporate Executive Awards. In 2009, the Chartered Institute of Marketing Ghana (CIMG) awarded Dr. Awal as ‘Ghana’s Marketing Man of the Year’, and impressively also, declared him ‘the Most Respected Chief Executive Officer’ of the country in the same year. He was also awarded by The Mediterranean Tourism Foundation for Innovative Tourism in 2021.

Dr. Awal holds a Doctorate in Business Administration with a specialty in succession planning and business competitiveness from the Swiss Business School and three master’s degrees, one in Applied Business Research from the Swiss Business School, Switzerland, an Executive Masters in Business Administration from the University of Ghana Business School, Legon and a Masters in International Journalism from the University of Wales, United Kingdom.

Dr. Awal believes in continuous professional and personal education and participates in study and training opportunities including courses in Business Strategy at Harvard Business School, USA, and oil production and management at Oxford, United Kingdom.

As a trailblazer in the entrepreneurial and political landscape in Africa, Dr. Awal was the brainchild behind the flagship project in the tourism sector, dubbed ‘Destination Ghana’, which was launched by the President of the Republic of Ghana H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in April 2022 in London, United Kingdom.

Under Dr. Awal’s leadership, Ghana seeks to position herself as the most preferred tourist destination in Africa. This objective along with the aforementioned achievements attest palpably to Dr. Awal’s unwavering commitment as a business and political leader who has the vision to see improvement in the entrepreneurial and business ecosystem in Ghana and Africa through trade and investment and sustainable tourism.

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Source: Tourism Society of Ghana

Tourism society of Ghana meets with tourism minister designate

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The Tourism Society of Ghana (TOSOGHA) recently convened with the Tourism Minister Designate, Andrew Egyapa Mercer, to discuss their ongoing initiatives and campaigns aimed at bolstering domestic tourism, particularly among the youth. During the meeting, TOSOGHA representatives led by the Board Chairman, Ahmed Nahman, highlighted several key projects, including the revitalization of Tourism Clubs in educational institutions, the Liberty Card Project, and the National Youth Skill Acquisition and Training Scheme. These initiatives are designed to ignite interest in Ghana's rich cultural heritage and diverse attractions among the younger generation. In a promising development, Minister Designate, Mercer, pledged the full support of the Ministry of Tourism towards TOSOGHA's endeavors. This endorsement underscores the government's commitment to fostering sustainable tourism growth and development within the country. Among those present at the meeting were top management staff and board members of TOSOGHA, who expressed optimism about the collaborative efforts between the society and the Ministry of Tourism. With the Ministry's backing, TOSOGHA aims to further amplify its efforts in promoting domestic tourism and empowering Ghanaian youth to explore and appreciate the wonders of their own country.

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The Ghana Tourism Authority is the public service agency responsible for promoting regulating tourism in Ghana as well as licensing and classification of tourism facilities and services, research and development.

Mandate & vision, the vision of gta is to be the main driver for the growth of tourism and to see ghana become the leading sustainable tourist destination in west africa by 2026..

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President orders review of SML, GRA contract

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has called for a review of the contract for downstream petroleum audit services, particularly the fee structure, regarding the transactions between the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and Strategic Mobilization Ghana Ltd (SML). 

Given the experience and proficiency of SML over the last four years of providing that service, the President directed that the fee structure be changed from a variable to a fixed fee structure. 

He asked that other provisions of the contract such as clauses on intellectual property rights, termination, and service delivery expectations also be reviewed.  

The directives were given by the President in response to the final report of the audit conducted by KPMG on the GRA/SML transactions. 

The President was provided with the final report on Wednesday, March 27, 2024. 

A statement issued by the Communications Directorate, Office of the President, noted that the President had acted on the findings and accepted recommendations of KPMG, and had, by a letter dated Thursday, April 18, given directives to the Ministry of Finance and the GRA. 

Per the directives, the SML’s performance in any renegotiated contracts should be monitored and evaluated periodically to ensure that it met expectations. 

Additionally, any renegotiated contract should be compliant with section 33 of the Public Financial Management Act, according to the statement. 

The President stated that the upstream petroleum audit and minerals audit services had not yet commenced, and no payments had been made in respect of those services, therefore, they may be terminated. 

“However, given that the upstream petroleum audit and minerals audit services could prevent significant revenue leakages, the President has directed that the Ministry and GRA conduct a comprehensive technical needs assessment, value-for-money assessment, and stakeholder engagements before implementing such services. 

“The transaction audit and external price verification services may also be terminated,” he noted. 

According to the KPMG’s findings, GRA obtained partial value or benefit for those services due to lack of monitoring on the part of GRA to ensure that SML performed the services as stipulated in the contracts. 

The KPMG’s investigations found that GRA had introduced external price verification tools as part of the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS), among its other functions. 

That rendered the reliance on SML for external price verification redundant. 

“There is a clear need for the downstream petroleum audit services provided by SML. GRA and the State have benefited from these services since SML commenced providing them,” the President stated. 

Referring to the KPMG’s findings, he affirmed that there had been an increase in volumes of 1.7 billion litres and an increase in tax revenue to the State of GH¢2.45 billion. 

KPMG also observed that there were qualitative benefits, including a 24/7 electronic real-time monitoring of outflow and partial monitoring of inflows of petroleum products at depots where SML had installed flow meters and six levels of reconciliation done by SML. 

“This minimises the occurrence of under-declarations,” the statement emphasised. 

It called on the Ministry of Finance and the GRA to give effect to the above directives of the President immediately and provide the Office of the President with an update on the steps taken. 

Following public criticism, the President directed KPMG, an internationally acclaimed Audit, Tax and Advisory Services firm, to conduct an audit regarding the transactions which the two entities entered in 2020. 

The contract was meant to enhance revenue assurance in the downstream petroleum sector, the upstream petroleum production and the minerals and metals resources value chain. 

KPMG, which was initially given up to January 16, 2024, to complete its work, was granted an extension of its working period, following a request to the President. 

The auditors were tasked to conduct an audit to ascertain the rationale or needs assessment performed before the contract approval by GRA and assess how the arrangement aligns with specific needs. 

They were also to assess the appropriateness of the contracting methodology. 

The KPMG’s working mandate was to verify compliance with legal standards and industry best practices in the procurement process for the selection of SML and evaluate the degree of alignment between current activities and the stipulated contract scope, identifying any deviations. 

Per its terms of reference, the audit firm was to evaluate the value or benefit that SML had so far offered to the GRA through the engagement. 

The President tasked the auditors to review the financial arrangements, including pricing structures, payment terms and resolution of any financial compliance issues and submit a report on its findings, together with appropriate recommendations. 

He, therefore, directed the Ministry of Finance and GRA to provide KPMG with whatever assistance it required for conducting the audit. 

The KPMG, per its investigations and findings, established that no technical needs assessment was done prior to the engagement of SML. 

“However, such an assessment was not legally required for engaging SML. After SML was engaged, a Chamber of Bulk Oil Distributors’ industry report, a 2021 Ernst & Young audit report commissioned by GRA and a report by the Revenue Assurance and Compliance Enforcement of the Ministry of Finance, all found that there might be underreporting, under-declaration and potential revenue leakages. 

“On three occasions (between June 2017 and September 2017), GRA sought approval from the Public Procurement Authority (“PPA”) to use the single source procurement method to engage SML to provide transaction audit services. The PPA did not grant approval. 

“Subsequently, GRA engaged SML as a subcontractor to West Blue, which was already providing services to GRA at the port. 

“SML eventually took over the services provided by West Blue when the latter’s contract came to an end on 31st December 2018. GRA then added external price verification to the services offered by SML and signed a downstream petroleum audit agreement with SML. 

“All these were done without PPA approval,” the KPMG’s findings established. 

Following a change of leadership at GRA, the new leadership sought to regularise the contracts with SML and on August 27, 2020, the PPA ratified the procurement processes used to engage SML. 

In 2023, the Ministry of Finance (MoF), GRA, and SML entered a Revenue Assurance Services Contract (2023 Contract).  

The 2023 Contract extended the scope of SML’s services to include upstream petroleum and minerals audit. 

The PPA’s approval was obtained for this contract, which is now the governing agreement for the services offered by SML to GRA. 

Another issue raised by KPMG is the absence of parliamentary approval for the contracts, given that they are multi-year contracts. 

Source: GNA

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Review Of The Ghana Tourism Policy: Southern Belt Stakeholder Consultation

On Tuesday, the 13th of December 2022, The Ministry of Tourism organized a consultative Stakeholder Engagement Workshop at Ell king Hotel, East Legon in Accra to review a draft policy on the sector. Stakeholders were from Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), as well as the Academia and the Private sector. The aim of the workshop…

MoTAC Organizes Training For Tourism Officers In Aburi.

The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) has organised a two-day training workshop for tourism officers and other management staff in Aburi. The training which was held from 10th -11th November 2022 had the theme “Tourism in Contemporary Times”. Speaking at the opening session, Mr John Yao Agbeko, Chief Director of the Ministry said…

December In GH Activities Unveiled In Accra

The Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture Honourable Dr Ibrahim Mohammed Awal has said that the December in GH activities is expected to rake in Two Hundred Million Dollars as revenue to the Country. He made this statement in Accra on Monday 14th November 2022 during the unveiling of the December in GH Magazine. Dr…

Workshop On Pensions For The Creative Arts Sector Organized

The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) organized a day’s workshop for Industry players and stakeholders in the creative economy dubbed “Pensions Conversation’’. The event, which took place in Accra on Friday, November 4th, 2022, was aimed at sensitizing members of the Arts and Culture fraternity on the importance of enrolling on an insurance…

Two-Day Workshop to Review Questionnaires Developed for Data Collection in The Arts & Culture Industry

The Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and culture (MOTAC) in collaboration with the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) has organised a two-day workshop for selected staff of MOTAC, agencies and GSS to review the questionnaire developed for the data collection on the Arts and Culture industry in Ghana. The workshop was held in Accra from Monday 24th…

350 million Cedis spent on product development in the tourism sector

The Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), Hon. Dr Ibrahim Mohammed Awal said that in line with the Government’s quest to make the tourism sector the number one contributor of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2025, funds have been made available through the World Bank Tourism Development Project to develop tourist attraction sites. He…

Press Release: Upper West Region to host World Tourism Day

The United Nations World Tourism Organization’s (UNWTO) World Tourism Day is observed every year on September 27 with the aim of fostering awareness among the international community about the importance of Tourism and its social, economic, political, and cultural values. The National Celebration is being hosted today, 27th September in the Upper West Region, Wa, under…

GTDP: Ghana Tourism Development Project (GTDP) Mail (August 2022, Volume 1, Issue 1)

The Ghana Tourism Development Project (GTDP) Mail for August 2022, Volume 1, Issue 1 is out and can be downloaded at the link indicated above. Look out for a special edition of the newsletter for updates on the grants awards and other project-related developments. Ghana Tourism Development Project (GTDP) Mail will be published quarterly by…

GTDP: Update on the Ghana Tourism Development Project (GTDP) 

Ghana Tourism Development Project (GTDP)  The Tourism Development Project is being implemented by the Government of Ghana through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MoTAC) with funding from the World Bank. Project Details → Original Project Amount: USD 40.0m       → Approval Date: 13/07/2018          → Signing Date: 12/12/2018           → Effectiveness Date:…

Sod-cutting ceremony for the rehabilitation and modernisation of Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park (KNMP)

The sod cutting ceremony for the rehabilitation and modernisation of the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park (KNMP) project took place on Tuesday, 19th July 2022 at the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, Accra. The project aims to create job opportunities and boost tourism in Accra.   Dr Mohammed Awal, Hon. Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture in…

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Flooding Inundates Kenya, Killing at Least 32 and Displacing Thousands

Heavy rains also pounded other nations in East Africa, including Tanzania, where at least 155 people were killed, according to the country’s prime minister.

Residents in Nairobi were stranded on Tuesday after a night of heavy rainfall. Credit... Daniel Irungu/EPA, via Shutterstock

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By Abdi Latif Dahir and Jesus Jiménez

Abdi Latif Dahir reported from Nairobi, Kenya, and Jesus Jiménez from New York.

• April 24, 2024

Days of torrential rains have pummeled parts of Kenya, leaving at least 32 dead, 15 injured and more than 40,000 people displaced, according to officials. The flooding has killed nearly 1,000 farm animals and destroyed thousands of acres of crops, with more rain expected across the country in the coming days.

The rains began in March during what is known in the country as the “long rains,” but intensified over the past week, according to the Kenya Meteorological Department .

Heavy rains have also pounded other nations across East Africa. In Tanzania, at least 155 people were killed and 236 others injured from the relentless rain that has swept several parts of the country in recent days, Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa said on Thursday.

The rains affected some 200,000 people, Mr. Majaliwa added, and caused damage to farms, bridges, roads, schools and places of worship. The Tanzania Meteorological Authority warned that heavy rains and strong winds would continue to pummel several towns and cities, including the port city of Dar es Salaam.

In Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, where some of the country’s heaviest rain has fallen, more than 30,000 people have been displaced, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs . On Tuesday, 18 people there were stranded and later rescued, including seven children, the Kenya Red Cross Society said.

Edwin Sifuna, the Nairobi County senator, said on social media that the local government there was “clearly overwhelmed,” and he called on the federal government for help.

“The situation in Nairobi has escalated to extreme levels,” he wrote in a post that included a video of people stranded on rooftops surrounded by floodwaters.

Kithure Kindiki, cabinet secretary for the Interior Ministry, said in a social media post on Thursday that several government agencies were beginning a joint operation to assist the victims, conduct rescues and evacuate those who remain at risk.

The heavy rains on Wednesday forced Kenya Railways to suspend commuter train services. The Kenya Urban Roads Authority also partially closed four major roads in Nairobi and warned of heavy flooding along several major highways in the capital and in the coastal city of Mombasa.

The rains were not expected to subside over the next few days, according to the Kenya Meteorological Department, which had rain in the forecast for parts of the country, including Nairobi, through Monday. The agency also warned of a high likelihood of breakouts of diseases such as malaria and diarrhea in some areas.

The latest downpours come just months after torrential rains and floods killed dozens of people and displaced thousands more nationwide.

Here are photographs of the flooding in Kenya:

A flooded river in Mathare, a sprawling shantytown in Nairobi where many live in tin shacks.

Swimming through floodwaters to try to rescue people stranded in their homes in Mathare. Most of those displaced in Nairobi live in informal settlements, according to the United Nations.

Residents of Mathare tried to salvage goods from their homes. Many people in Nairobi live in high-density areas that lack proper roads, water or power infrastructure.

Residents in Mathare trying to clear muddy water from their homes. Missing or blocked drainage systems have been blamed for exacerbating the floods.

Clinging to buses and trucks to avoid flooded roads in Nairobi.

Homes in several neighborhoods across the capital were submerged, leading to evacuations.

The torrential rains affected almost half of Kenya’s 47 counties, according to the United Nations.

Using a boat to traverse floodwaters in the Githurai area of Nairobi.

Flooding inundated entire roadways in Machakos County, about 35 miles southeast of Nairobi.

The swollen Athi River. The river burst its banks and flooded homes in Machakos County, officials said.

Abdi Latif Dahir is the East Africa correspondent for The Times, based in Nairobi, Kenya. He covers a broad range of issues including geopolitics, business, society and arts. More about Abdi Latif Dahir

Jesus Jiménez covers breaking news, online trends and other subjects. He is based in New York City. More about Jesus Jiménez

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